Postoffice Window on the Raadhuisstraat Painting

This is quite simply the finest window I’ve seen anywhere in Amsterdam. Situated on the Southerly wall of the wonderful former Main Post Office at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, this window is unquestionably the star of the Raadhuisstraat elevation and arguably of the entire building. At the time of this building’s inception the postal service was the nation’s pride, a cornerstone of civilisation and a vital instrument of trade and commerce and so the building’s opulence reflects this exalted status. The old postal headquarters plays host to some of the finest carved stone decoration, gargoyles, and architectural embellishments in the city. But this particular window is a masterpiece. The ornamental stone frame, although showing it has been for more that one hundred and thirty years exposed to the elements, remains crisp and has a wonderful organic quality. The frame really does feel like a bountiful collection of trophies, garlands and tributes artfully laced together in a celebration of the modern triumph of post. But as incredible a piece of art and craft as the frame is, it is the delicate glazing that steals the show. The simple geometric pattern of turquoise and sapphire blue glass is absolutely mesmerising, it truly is the crowning jewel on a mountain of jewels.